Creating a new PCB file

Pad2Pad saves each printed circuit board you design in a separate file (ex. amplifier.pcb). You can create a new file whenever you want to begin a new design. For example, you might create a file for an amplifier circuit board and another for a digital readout PCB.
To create a new file:
  1. Choose File | New. The Job Settings dialog appears.
  2. Enter the desired board dimensions and other relevant settings (see below)
  3. Click OK.
  4. New files are untitled. To name a file, choose File | Save.

General Settings:

Number of layers – the number of copper layers. Two layers (top and bottom) is most common and sufficient for most circuit boards. The cost saving of using a one layer board is usually insignificant. Four layer circuit boards in Pad2Pad have two extra internal layers – solid planes usually used for Ground and Power. Copper side – which side is used for a one-layer board. Width & Height – board dimensions. (To change measurement units, choose Edit | Preferences | General.) Solder Mask – which layers will have a solder mask (an insulating layer, usually dark green, which protects traces against shorts caused by solder splashes and other unwanted conductivity). (In the design workspace areas without solder mask appear gray.) Silk Screen – which layers will have a silk screen (printing, usually on the component side, showing component outlines and text identifiers to help place components. A solder mask is required when a silk screen is used.) Board function – title or function of the board.

Advanced Settings

Some settings may decrease the number of price/time options available or require manual pricing. If you are unsure about which value to select, choose the default values. Copper weight – thickness of copper. More than 1 oz is normally only used for high-current applications and requires slightly more space between traces. Material thickness – thickness of the board. Material type – the composition of the board. If you choose a material other than the default, clarify your requirements under Special Requirements. Non-default materials may significantly affect cost and delivery time. Routing:
  • Individual – creates separated boards and allows for non-rectangular boards.
  • Panelized with V-scores – leaves boards connected on a larger panel, allowing you to snap the boards apart, typically after assembly of components. Recommended for small rectangular boards. For example, if you want to create several identical boards, you can layout a single rectangular board of the necessary size and set the V-scoring option. The boards will be delivered to you panelized so you can separate them after assembly.
  • Panelized with tabs – leaves boards connected by small links, allowing you to snap the boards apart. Allows for non-rectangular boards to remain panelized.
  • Panel configuration – allows to specify desired panel size in case V-scoring or Tab routing is selected.
Solder mask color – color of the solder mask. Silk screen color – color of the printed silk screen layer. Inverted silk screen – Inverts the silk screen so it covers the whole board except text labels and component outlines. See the preview image in the dialog box. Gold fingers or gold plating – allows to gold plate edge fingers or the entire board for improved contacts and minimal oxidization. Use Special Requirements to clarify parameters such as gold thickness and location. RoHS compliant – RoHS compliant materials will be used. Special requirements – allows to specify any additional requirements such as a special type of board material or thickness, special routing instructions, how to assemble special components, etc. Important: If your order has special requirements that are not automatically priced you will be contacted for price approval before commencing production.

Opening an existing PCB file

You can open an existing PCB design file stored on your computer.
To open one or several existing files:
  1. Choose File | Open. An Open dialog will appear.
  2. Choose the file to open, or select multiple files using the Ctrl or Shift keys.
  3. Click Open.

Upon startup, Pad2Pad opens the last edited file. To change this setting, uncheck Edit | Preferences | General | Load last document on startup.

Closing current PCB file

When you are finished with a PCB design you can close the file.
To close the current file:
  1. Choose File | Close or click the x in the upper right corner.
  2. Pad2Pad prompts you to save any unsaved changes before closing the file.

Saving a file

You can save your work at any time while designing.
To save the current design:
  1. Choose File | Save. For a new file, a dialog box appears …
  2. In Save in choose the folder where you want to save your file.
  3. In File Name type the file name.
  4. Click Save.

Pad2Pad automatically saves your board periodically. To disable automatic saving, or change the frequency, go to Edit | Preferences | General and deselect Enable automatic saving or enter a new time period in Autosave Every.

Save As…

You can make a copy of an existing board file and save it under a different file name.
To save an existing file under a different name:
  1. Choose File | Save As. A dialog box will appear.
  2. In Save in choose the folder where you want to save your new file.
  3. In File Name type the new file name.
  4. Click Save.

Printing

You can print the layout of your PCB on paper.
To print a circuit board layout:
  1. Choose File | Print. The Print dialog appears.
  2. From the drop-down list, choose the printer to use.
  3. Click the printer Properties button and change printer settings if needed. Click OK.
  4. Choose whether you want the printout to fill the page or to print actual size.
  5. Choose whether you want the printout to be centered on the page.
  6. Choose the number of copies to print.
  7. Check Print black and white for B/W printer friendly colors.
  8. Check Mirror to get the mirror image.
  9. Check Collate, if available, to collate copies.
  10. Click OK.

Reopening a recent file

You can conveniently reopen recently used designs.
To reopen a recently edited file:
  1. Click File.
  2. At bottom of the menu click on the desired file.

Exiting the program

Reopening a recent file After you have finished working you will want to close the application.
To close the Pad2Pad circuit layout software:
  1. Choose File | Exit or click the X in the upper right corner of the application window.
  2. Pad2Pad prompts you to save any unsaved files which are currently open.
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